Hydrogen Peroxide for Acne

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the simplest and least expensive acne treatment methods. This article provides information regarding the use of this solution for treating acne.

BeautiSecrets Staff

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease which occurs due to some bacterial infection. It is mostly found on the facial skin. Propionibacterium acnes is one of the most common form of bacteria that is responsible for causing acne, pimples, and blackheads. These bacteria grow in the sebum (an oily substance) released from the sebaceous glands into the pores of the skin. Due to the infection, the skin flares up and eruption of red pimples take place. People of any age group can get acne; however, adolescents are more prone to it. There are several acne treatments. Among them, using hydrogen peroxide is considered to be one of the best.

How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work on Acne?

Acne is formed when the skin pores are blocked by the sebum. The dirt and grease carrying bacteria get trapped inside the pores and cause infection. The bacteria that causes acne produces propionic acid. When hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the infected skin, it reacts with the propionic acid to produce oxygen and water. The free oxygen thus obtained penetrates deep down into the pores of the skin and reaches the source of the acne. As a result, the bacteria gets killed as they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. On the other hand, the water helps open up the clogged pores.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Curing Acne?

Hydrogen peroxide has excellent disinfectant properties and is used as an antiseptic for several years. Before the start of the treatment, you have to cleanse your face with a mild, non-abrasive cleansing soap and water. This will help remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin surface. Also, do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly. Take some hydrogen peroxide solution in a bowl. Dip a cotton swab into it and apply the swab on the infected skin. This will disinfect the acne and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts. However, do not apply it on acne-free part of the skin.

If you have widespread acne areas all over the face, then you can saturate a cotton ball into hydrogen peroxide solution and gently rub it on the entire face. In this way, the existing acne will be cured and at the same time, future acne outbreaks will be controlled as well. While applying the solution, care should be taken that it does not come in contact with the eyes and the skin around it as it can cause severe irritation. Also, it should not touch the hairline and the eyebrows as it can lighten the natural color of the hair. After the treatment, the acne gets dried out, and the swelling and irritation gets reduced. This drying effect of the solution will make your facial skin dry as well. Therefore, to retain the healthy and hydrated look of the skin, you should apply a good quality oil-free moisturizer on your face.

Hydrogen peroxide not only kills the existing bacteria present on the surface of the skin, but also prevents the growth of new bacteria inside the pores. Thus, it completely eliminates the problem from the root. The solution cannot be used for removing acne scars because it destroys the new cells and affects the natural healing mechanism. However, you can prevent the acne scars formation if you start the treatment of acne with hydrogen peroxide at an early stage.

Disclaimer: This BeautiSecrets article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.